Ethics Bistro

“Fields of Doubt: When AI Overshoots Human Intuition”

In a well-funded agritech pilot, an Africa-based firm rolled out an AI-powered irrigation system across multiple test farms in a rural region of an African country. Based on satellite weather data, historical yield trends, and soil sensors, the AI prescribed precision watering routines down to the hour.

On paper, the system outperformed manual methods — until it did not. As seasonal rainfall became erratic due to shifting climate patterns, the AI began overwatering certain plots. Local farmers, relying on generational knowledge of cloud patterns and bird migration, flagged the error. But field technicians, trusting the algorithm’s diagnostics, dismissed their concerns. Days later, root rot set in.

The damage was not just agricultural; it was fundamentally ethical. The core dilemma lay in a clash between algorithmic precision and ancestral wisdom. When field workers override the warnings of seasoned local farmers due to uncritical trust in AI, it raises a pivotal question: whose judgment should guide action when technology conflicts with lived human experience? The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (CoE&PC) emphasizes our responsibility to honor diverse perspectives, especially cultural and contextual knowledge often marginalized by automated systems. It calls for fairness, respect, and accountability in all professional interactions—not just in what decisions are made, but in how and by whom they are made. The Ethical Decision-Making Framework (EDMF) asks project leaders to systematically examine every ripple of impact: Who might be affected? What competing rights or duties are in play? Ethics here is not abstract and theoretical but downright practical. The framework serves not as a checklist, but as a compass for inclusive, humane decision-making in an increasingly digital world.

In this case, accountability was not simply about flipping a switch to deactivate a malfunctioning smart pump — it was about exercising discernment, fostering dialogue, and embracing ethical stewardship in its fullest sense. The true ethical challenge lies not in the hardware or software, but in the human response to it. Technological systems can process data at lightning speed, but they lack the moral compass and contextual sensitivity that only people can bring. Accountability meant actively listening to community voices, especially those rooted in local knowledge, and recognizing when to override automation with empathetic leadership. Staying context-aware required humility to question what seemed certain and to respect the wisdom that is not encoded in algorithms. Ethical stewardship, as guided by PMI’s values of responsibility and respect, demands that professionals treat AI not as an infallible oracle but as a support tool — powerful, but subordinate to human judgment, especially in high-stakes, culturally nuanced environments.

How would you decide when human insight should override AI predictions? Have you encountered a project where cultural expertise clashed with data-driven advice?

Let us know in the comments as we deliberate, learn, reflect, and keep ethics at the core of innovation.

References:

Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. pmi.org.

https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/code-values-card.pdf

Project Management Institute. (2015). Ethics in Project Management. pmi.org.

https://www.pmi.org/about/ethics

Project Management Institute. (2011). PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework (EDMF). pmi.org.

https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/ethical-decision-making-framework.pdf

Introduction
In the digital age, the ease of sharing resources has revolutionized education and collaboration. However, this convenience has also blurred the lines between ethical sharing and piracy. The unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials raises significant ethical and legal concerns, challenging individuals and organizations to navigate this gray area responsibly. This essay explores the ethical implications of intellectual property theft, citing recent lawsuits, analyzing the issues through ethical frameworks, and proposing solutions aligned with the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (CoE&PC) and the Ethical Decision-Making Framework (EDMF).

Recent Lawsuits on Intellectual Property Theft
Recent cases highlight the growing prevalence of intellectual property theft. For instance, Canadian media organizations filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the company unlawfully scraped copyrighted data to train its AI models. Similarly, a British Columbia artist initiated a class-action lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft for reproducing copyrighted works without permission. These cases underscore the tension between innovation and the protection of intellectual property rights.

Ethical Analysis of the Issues
From an ethical perspective, the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted materials violates the core values of responsibility, respect, and fairness outlined in the PMI CoE&PC. Responsibility entails adhering to legal and ethical standards, while respect emphasizes honoring the rights of content creators. Fairness requires equitable treatment of all stakeholders, including those who invest time and resources in creating intellectual property.

Clauses Infracted by Intellectual Property Theft
In cases of intellectual property theft, several clauses of the PMI CoE&PC are often violated. For example, the principle of honesty is compromised when individuals or organizations use copyrighted materials without proper attribution or permission. Additionally, the principle of respect is breached when the intellectual property rights of creators are disregarded.

Remedies and Workarounds per CoE&PC and EDMF
To address these issues, the CoE&PC and EDMF provide valuable guidance. Remedies include:
1. Education and Awareness: Organizations should educate employees and users about copyright laws and ethical practices.
2. Policy Implementation: Establishing clear policies on the use of copyrighted materials can prevent unintentional violations.
3. Collaboration with Rights Holders: Engaging with content creators to obtain permissions or licenses fosters mutual respect and compliance.

Proposed Solution
A comprehensive solution involves a multi-faceted approach:
- Technological Measures: Implementing digital rights management (DRM) systems to protect copyrighted materials.
- Ethical Training: Incorporating ethics training into organizational programs to reinforce the importance of intellectual property rights.
- Transparent Practices: Encouraging transparency in the use and distribution of materials to build trust and accountability.

Corrective Actions
To rectify instances of intellectual property theft, organizations should:
1. Conduct thorough investigations to identify the root cause of violations.
2. Take corrective measures, such as removing unauthorized content and compensating rights holders.
3. Review and update policies to prevent future occurrences.

Closing Summary
In conclusion, the ethical challenges posed by the sharing of copyrighted materials demand a balanced approach that respects intellectual property rights while promoting accessibility and innovation. By adhering to the PMI CoE&PC and EDMF, individuals and organizations can navigate these complexities responsibly. Let us commit to fostering a culture of ethical awareness and accountability, ensuring that our actions align with the highest standards of integrity.  

Call to Action
How would you, as an ethical project practitioner, act when facing this piracy issue? Does the situation happen to you? Are there any other lessons learnt and remedies to which you can relate? The PMI Ethics Insight Team likes to bring this timely topic for a healthy deliberation.

References: 

Mach, J. (2024, December 2). Media companies’ lawsuit against OpenAI latest in growing number of challenges to AI data scraping. canadianlawyermag.com. https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/practice-areas/intellectual-property/media-companies-lawsuit-against-openai-latest-in-growing-number-of-challenges-to-ai-data-scraping/390113

Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. pmi.org. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/code-values-card.pdf

Project Management Institute. (2011). PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework(EDMF). pmi.org. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/ethical-decision-making-framework.pdf

The January 9, 2025, Bloomberg article titled "The New $30,000 Side Hustle: Making Jobs Referrals for Strangers" by Jo Constantz highlights a disturbing ethical issue and discusses the emerging trend of technology workers earning significant sums by referring job candidates they have never met. This underground marketplace for employment referrals has gained traction at major U.S. companies like Microsoft and Nvidia. Platforms like Refer Me and Refermarket allow job seekers to anonymously request referrals from verified employees, with some tech workers earning up to $30,000 in referral bonuses over 18 months. While this practice can improve hiring odds, it raises ethical concerns as it often violates company policies that require personal knowledge of candidates.

Examining the ethical issue using PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as Ethical Decision-Making Framework, I, as an astute member of the Ethics Insight Team, draw these lessons learned and propose remedies for considerations.

Comments and Lessons Learned:

1. Responsibility: Employees must recognize their responsibility to uphold company policies and ensure that referrals are based on genuine knowledge of the candidate's qualifications. This practice not only maintains the integrity of the hiring process but also ensures that the referred candidates are truly fit for the roles.
2. Respect: Respect for the hiring process and the candidates is crucial. Referring strangers without proper vetting can lead to mismatches and wasted resources for both the company and the candidates. Respecting the process ensures that all parties involved are treated fairly and professionally.
3. Fairness: The practice of selling referrals can create an unfair advantage for those who can afford to pay for them, undermining the principle of equal opportunity. Companies should strive to create a level playing field where all candidates are evaluated based on their merits and qualifications.
4. Honesty: Honesty is paramount in the referral process. Employees should provide truthful and accurate information about the candidates they refer. Misrepresenting a candidate's qualifications can damage the company's reputation and lead to poor hiring decisions.

Remedy: To address these ethical concerns, companies should reinforce their referral policies and provide clear guidelines on acceptable practices. Regular training on the corporate/internal on similar Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Policy and or Procedures can help employees understand the importance of responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty in the hiring process. Additionally, implementing stricter monitoring and enforcement mechanisms can deter unethical referral practices and ensure a more transparent and equitable hiring process.

How would you, as an ethical project practitioner, act when a stranger offers monetary incentives and seeks your referrals? Does the situation happen to you? Are there any other lessons learnt and remedies to which you can relate? The PMI Ethics Insight Team likes to bring this timely topic for a healthy deliberation.

References:

Constantz, J. (2025, January 9). How to Get a Job Referral from a Stranger. Bloomberg.com. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-09/how-employee-referrals-for-tech-jobs-became-a-side-hustle

Project Management Institute. (n.d.). Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. pmi.org. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/code-values-card.pdf

Project Management Institute. (2011). PMI Ethical Decision-Making Framework (EDMF). pmi.org. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/ethical-decision-making-framework.pdf

A recent Ethics Bistro blog (Yeung, 2024) titled “Upholding Ethics in Professional Development: Lessons from EY and Meta” raises fresh perspectives in the realm of professional development and continuing education (for project practitioners and other professionals) and the associated ethical issues in two named organizations, as elaborated in the Inc. magazine (Lynch, 2024).

A follow-up article by Benjamin Broomfield (2024) provided an alternate perspective from several EY employees, who were not involved in the cheating incident, on the alleged unethical behaviours with additional context and background.

Several former EY employees fired for completing multiple online training courses simultaneously during the "Ignite Learning Week" in May 2024 have criticized the company's decision, arguing that their behavior was not unethical. EY terminated dozens of employees after an investigation revealed they had attended different training sessions at the same time, which EY deemed as cheating the system. The employees contended that they were encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible and were not informed that multitasking was against company policy.

The training programs, which required employees to achieve 40 professional education credits annually, included sessions like 'Conversing with AI, one prompt at a time' and 'How strong is your digital brand in the marketplace?' EY's decision to fire the employees was based on a perceived violation of its code of conduct, emphasizing integrity and ethics.

EY has a history of educational cheating scandals, with a significant incident in 2022 where the company paid over $100 million to the US Securities and Exchange Commission for sharing answers during professional tests. This led to a pledge to enforce stricter disciplinary measures and emphasize compliance and integrity.

In response to the backlash, EY has revised its communication around future training sessions, clearly stating that employees are expected to complete their training with integrity and not multitask. The controversy also highlighted a broader issue within EY's work culture, characterized by high workloads and internal competition, which some employees claim encouraged multitasking. The company's approach to handling the disciplinary actions has faced criticism from current and former employees, who suggested alternative sanctions like reducing bonuses or delaying promotions.

In summary, this incident has brought renewed scrutiny to EY's intense work culture and raised questions about the effectiveness of its training and ethical standards already in place.

In closing, what is your view on the employees’ positions? And on the employer’s updated policies and procedures to remedy the unethical behaviours? What would you do to act ethically? I love to hear your perspective and exchange lessons learnt.

Sources:

PMI. (2024). PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. pmi.org. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/pmi-code-of-ethics.pdf

Yeung, M. (2024, November 1). Upholding Ethics in Professional Development: Lessons from EY and Meta. Projectmanagement.com. https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/77594/upholding-ethics-in-professional-development--lessons-from-ey-and-meta

Lynch, S. (2024, October 23). EY and Meta Fired Workers for Stretching the Rules: What Would You Do? Inc.com. https://www.inc.com/sarahlynch/ey-and-meta-fired-workers-for-stretching-the-rules-what-would-you-do/90993704

Benjamin, B. (2024, October 23). 'Just cruel' | Fired EY employees hit back after losing jobs for watching multiple training videos at once. Hrgrapevine.com. https://www.hrgrapevine.com/us/content/article/2024-10-23-fired-ey-employees-hit-back-after-losing-jobs-for-watching-multiple-training-videos-at-once.

An emerging hot topic that is making waves in the corporate world: ethics in professional development. Inspired by Sarah Lynch's recent article in Inc. Magazine, "EY and Meta Fired Workers for Stretching the Rules: What Would You Do?", let's discuss why maintaining ethics is not just a necessity but a cornerstone of our profession.

The Importance of Continuous Learning

First, let's talk about why continuous education is crucial for project managers. After passing the PMP exam and earning that coveted PMP certification, it's mandatory to earn a minimum of 60 PDUs over your three-year CCR cycle to keep your certification active. Sounds like a lot, right? It might be tempting to cut corners, like running multiple video instances at once to meet the requirements. However, let me be clear: this behavior is unethical and a direct violation of the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

The PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is our professional compass, emphasizing four core elements: Responsibility, Respect, Fairness, and Honesty. These aren't just fancy words; they are the mandatory behaviors that ensure we maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of our profession.

The Temptation to Cut Corners

In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to meet professional development requirements can be overwhelming. Sarah Lynch's article highlighted how employees at EY and Meta faced termination for stretching company rules. At EY, for instance, employees attended multiple training sessions simultaneously—a clear breach of ethical standards. This kind of behavior not only devalues the training but also tarnishes the individual's commitment to their professional growth.

Consequences of Unethical Behavior

Let's not kid ourselves—the consequences of unethical actions are severe. EY, for example, took strict disciplinary action, including termination, to uphold its core values of integrity and ethics. This serves as a stark reminder: even seemingly minor unethical behavior can lead to significant repercussions.

Upholding Ethical Standards

So, how do we uphold ethical standards? It's simple: by fully engaging in all professional development activities with integrity. Watching pre-recorded videos for ethical webinars? Do it with the intent to learn and grow, not just to check a box. Embracing this mindset ensures we genuinely benefit from our education and uphold the PMI standards.

Real-Life Reflections

Consider this: if you're tempted to skip steps or take shortcuts, pause and reflect on the PMI principles. Responsibility requires us to take ownership of our actions. Respect means valuing the learning process and those who provide it. Fairness involves giving equal importance to all facets of our professional development. Honesty is about being truthful in our endeavors, no matter how small they seem.

Conclusion

Ethical behavior in professional development is about more than just meeting requirements—it's about embodying the values of our profession. By committing to honest and responsible learning practices, we can ensure we're truly benefiting from our education and upholding the highest standards of the PMI.

Is the penalty too harsh and too lax? How do you ensure you adhere to ethical standards in your professional development? I'd love to hear both sides of your story.

Sources:

PMI. (2024). PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. pmi.org. https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/ethics/pmi-code-of-ethics.pdf

Lynch, S. (2024, October 23). EY and Meta Fired Workers for Stretching the Rules: What Would You Do? Inc.com. https://www.inc.com/sarahlynch/ey-and-meta-fired-workers-for-stretching-the-rules-what-would-you-do/90993704